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Helpful Hints

• Always have both of your feet measured. Size discrepancies between feet are quite common. Fit the larger foot if you find a difference.
• The shape of your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet. Determine your foot shape, type, and width for proper sizing.
• Try your new shoes on in the evening to get a proper fit. Some feet tend to swell a bit during the day, so your feet will be at their largest in the evening.
• Have your feet measured periodically. Just as your clothing size may change from time to time, your shoe size can change, too. Feet tend to elongate or widen, so it's a good idea to measure your feet every year.
• Because expectant mothers' feet tend to enlarge during pregnancy, they may require larger shoes both during and following pregnancy.
• When you increase the size of your shoe to the next half-size, you gain 1/6 of an inch. Increase a whole size and gain 1/3 of an inch. The difference from one width to another is a linear measurement of 1/8 of an inch, or a girth measurement (around the foot) of 3/4 of an inch.
• Athletic shoes tend to run smaller than dress shoes or casual shoes. Please refer to our sizing recommendations because you may require a larger size in New Balance athletic styles.
• Running causes a forward thrust of the foot within the shoe. Make sure you have ample room in the toe area of your running shoes. In fact, we suggest you leave at least a thumb's width from the end of your largest toe to the front of the shoe. This should help prevent your toes from rubbing against the front of the shoe.
• There is no standardization in shoe sizes, even within the same brand. Shoe manufacturing, as well as shoe fitting, is still an art form, and not a science. Since both the size and width dimensions can vary from style to style, shoes must be carefully fitted. Please refer to our Fitting Advice section for more information.
• Socks affect shoe fit. Try your new shoes on with the type of sock you intend to wear with them. See our New Balance Sock selections.
• Insoles and orthotics affect shoe fit, too. The thicker the insole or orthotic, the roomier the shoe size needs to be. All New Balance and Dunham footwear have removable footbeds. Most styles will accommodate most insoles, over-the-counter arch supports, and custom orthotics provided by your doctor. See our New Balance Insoles.
• Shoes should be comfortable at the time of purchase. Do not depend on them to stretch after they are "broken-in."